1.The authorities forbade entering the park because of a bush fire.
2.In many countries, they don't allow smoking in public places.
3.The plumber recommended buying a new water heater.
4.The help desk advised checking the "Advanced Settings" option.
I know it is odd to use infinitive as an object of such verbs, but I have never been taught the reason about it.
However, I think the reason is from that it could be read in a different way.
For example, if the 4 sentence is rewritten as The help desk advised to check the "Advanced Settings" option, we would think that to check is not the object of advise, and advise is used as an intransitive verb which is only modifying The help desk, so that I think it must be avoided to use infinitive with such verbs.
Might my thinking be correct?
Best Answer
In fact, it's not odd to use an infinitive after, say, advise. This particular verb can be followed by "to infinitive" (e.g. I think I'd advise him to leave the company). It can also be followed by a gerund (e.g. I advise waiting until tomorrow). It's all about verb patterns actually. We'll use advise + object + to infinitive but advise + gerund (when you don't mention who you give advice to).
To forbid can be used with both a gerund and an infinitive too. Compare: He's embarrassed about it because he forbade me to tell anyone (again, forbid + object + to infinitive). They forbid parking in this area (forbid + gerund).
As for to allow and to recommend, the logic is the same: